Stanley Area Community Foundation Grants

The Stanley Area Community Foundation, affiliated with the North Dakota Community Foundation (NDCF), is a local philanthropic initiative established in 2008 to address a growing need for financial support among nonprofit and community organizations in and around Stanley, North Dakota. The Foundation was created by local residents concerned about the lack of funding for local programs and continues to be governed by a local advisory committee. The North Dakota Community Foundation, a nonprofit corporation recognized under IRS code 501(c)(3), provides administrative support and ensures tax-exempt status. The Foundation's primary goal is to provide financial grants to projects or nonprofit organizations that benefit the Stanley area. Grantmaking is conducted annually, with the local advisory committee overseeing the review and recommendation process. The grants are designed to support activities that serve the broader community, with particular emphasis placed on projects that impact a significant number of residents or have leveraged other funding sources. Lower priority is given to applications for operating costs, day-to-day expenses, or requests for multi-year funding. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Religious organizations may apply only for non-denominational initiatives that benefit the entire community. The geographic focus is strictly limited to Stanley and nearby communities as determined by the Foundation’s advisory committee. This ensures that funds are directed to initiatives with local relevance and community impact. The 2025 grant cycle opens on July 1 and closes on September 25. Applications must be submitted online through the Foundation’s grant portal. Applicants are required to register by creating an account that includes the organization’s name, EIN, and the executive officer's information. Once logged in, users can select the Stanley Area Community Foundation grant program, complete their application, and submit it before the deadline. A detailed instruction guide is also available on the website to assist users in navigating the grant portal effectively. Grants are evaluated based on a combination of impact, readiness, and financial strategy. High-priority proposals are those that reach a broad segment of the community or have secured or pursued additional funding sources. Applications are reviewed by the local advisory committee, which consists of seven active members and several past ambassadors who have contributed significantly to the Foundation’s history. This review process ensures alignment with the Foundation’s mission of community service and sustainable development. For further assistance, applicants may contact Ashley Skarsgard, the local coordinator for the Stanley Area Community Foundation, via email at ashley.skarsgard@gmail.com. For questions regarding anonymous giving or planned donations, inquiries can be directed to John Heinen, Western North Dakota Regional Director, at john@ndcf.net or by phone at (701) 590-4614. Physical correspondence may be sent to PO Box 251, Stanley, ND 58784. The Foundation encourages community support to grow its fund and continue making a meaningful impact in Stanley and surrounding areas.

Applicants are advised to read the guidelines thoroughly and to demonstrate both community impact and secured or potential co-funding sources in their proposals.